Wearable charm anti-theft system with an environmentally sensitive sensory alert

ABSTRACT

An anti-theft proximity alert system that includes a wearable smart charm with a charm housing, and an object monitor with a housing, an environmental sensor to detect an ambient environmental condition, and a controller with at least one environmental operating instruction to adjust the output of a sensory alert based upon detected environmental conditions.

This application claims the benefit of priority to, and is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/697,391 that wasfiled on Sep. 6, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/228,921 that was filed on Aug. 4, 2016 nowissued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,786,142, which is a continuation of Ser. No.14/849,403 that was filed on Sep. 9, 2015 now issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,437,091, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/001,800 that was filed on Aug. 27, 2013 now issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,165,447 and which was a national stage entry of International PCTapplication PCT/US13/34192 filed on Mar. 27, 2013. The full contents ofeach of the aforementioned applications and patents are herebyincorporated by reference. This application also claims the benefit ofpriority of U.S. provisional patent application 61/617,043 filed on Mar.28, 2012 the full contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to an object proximity system, and moreparticularly, to system which includes a smart alarm and an objectmonitor, where the smart alarm and object monitor communicate relativeproximity information and alert the user when a pre-set separationdistance is exceeded. The smart alarm may be in the form of anornamental jewelry charm (i.e. a “smart charm”) that is wearable by auser.

BACKGROUND ART

A variety of anti-theft systems are employed by people for variouspractices. One of the most common stolen items is someone's purse orwallet. Many anti-theft devices have been created to help combat thisissue but few have seamlessly integrated fashion with utility toeffectively counter theft.

Methods of theft prevention vary from physical cords to electronictransmitters. While these devices may lower the incidence of theft,users can perceive them as bulky and unattractive, which decrease theusers' desire to implement them into everyday use.

While various means of anti-theft transmitter and receiver units existin the prior art, they are limited in that they are cumbersome andunattractive to the user and are not easily implemented into a user'swardrobe and style. Therefore, a need exists for a non-cumbersome andfashionable anti-theft system which allows a user to protect his or herbelongings. The present invention satisfies these needs.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The system of the present invention will help prevent theft of personalproperty while being unobtrusive to the eye and seamlessly integratinginto current day fashion. The system has a first component that is anattractive and light-weight smart charm that is attachable to a wearableaccessory such as a bracelet or necklace, item of clothing, or user. Thesystem also has a second component that is an object monitor forattaching or combining with a mobile object, such as a wallet or purse.The smart charm and object monitor communicate proximity informationbetween each other, and set off a perceptible alarm through one or moresensory alert mechanisms when the separation distance between the smartcharm and object monitor exceeds a threshold alert criterion.

In a preferred embodiment the smart charm system component has a housingin the form of a small charm (e.g. a pendant or trinket) that is easilyattached to wearable accessories such as a charm bracelet, and iscontemplated to be largely indistinguishable to observers from otherordinary charms that may be on the bracelet. The preferred embodiment ofthe smart charm component is contemplated to generally not exceed 17 mmin diameter and be roughly the size of a grape.

For example the smart charm housing may be in a form like that ofpopular charms produced by Brighton® or Pandora Jewelry. Although thesebrands are used here as an example, the forms of other known brands mayalso be used. The smart charm will appeal aesthetically to the userwhile helping to protect the user's belongings from theft. The smartcharm is intended to be more appealing than a conventional key ringalarm system. Like conventional charms, the smart charm is contemplatedto have an accessory attachment means attached to or incorporated intothe smart charm housing to facilitate the ready attachment and removalof the smart charm to an accessory item such as a bracelet.

The smart charm housing contains a power source that is preferably areplaceable or rechargeable battery which under conditions of ordinaryand reasonable usage powers the charm for at least one year beforerequiring replacement or recharge. When the smart charm's battery islow, the user may be notified by a sensory alert mechanism such as a lowvolume beeping sound.

The smart charm housing will have an accessible switch mechanism toallow a user to turn the smart charm on and off (and possibly remotelyactivate/deactivate the object monitor component as well). The smartcharm may also, or in the alternative, have an automatic sensor toactivate/deactivate the system based on environmental conditions such asambient light or noise levels, or the passage of time.

The object monitor system component may have a housing that is the samewidth and height as a standard banking card (in accordance with thedimensions set forth in ISO/IEC 7810 ID 1 card standard), and as suchwill fit into a standard credit card slot of a user's wallet or purse.Such an object monitor housing may have rounded corners. The thicknessof such an object monitor housing may vary from that of a standardbanking card so as to accommodate the working electronic componentscontained within it.

The object monitor housing contains a power source that is preferably areplaceable or rechargeable battery which under conditions of ordinaryand reasonable usage powers the object monitor for at least one yearbefore requiring replacement or recharge. When the object monitor'sbattery is low, the user may be notified by a sensory alert mechanismsuch as a low volume beeping sound.

The system has one or more sensory alert mechanisms incorporated intothe smart charm and/or object monitor that are used to notify a userwhen a component goes into an active state (i.e. the power turns on)and/or the separation distance between an active smart charm and activeobject monitor exceeds a threshold alert criterion. The sensory alertmechanisms are contemplated to include (1) an auditory signal generatorcapable of making a loud sound (e.g. 75+dB) such as a piezoelectricspeaker, (2) a light source such as light emitting diodes, and/or (3) amechanical vibration generator such as a coin vibration motor.

In operation proximity signals are communicated between the smart charmcomponent and object monitor. The smart charm and object monitor eachhave a communicator that in the preferred embodiment is a low powerradio frequency transceiver operating in the Industrial Scientific andMedical (“ISM”) radio frequency band of 2.4 GHz. Each smart charm andobject monitor has a paired communication link where in the preferredembodiment the smart charm acts primarily as a receiver for radiofrequency proximity signals transmitted by the object monitor component.

The smart charm has flash memory containing operating instructions forimplementation by a controller in the smart charm. These operatinginstructions include instructions for measurement of received proximitysignals transmitted by the paired object monitor. The smart charmoperating instructions also contain instructions for the smart charmcontroller to determine the separation distance between the smart charmand object monitor based on the measurement of the received proximitysignal. If the separation distance is greater than an alarm thresholdalert criterion set by the system, then the smart charm controller shallinitiate an alert sequence in accordance with the smart charm operatinginstructions. In a preferred embodiment, the alarm threshold alertcriterion would be in the range of ten to fifteen feet for a separationdistance between the smart charm and object monitor.

An initiated alarm sequence may commence with a brief warning signalfrom a sensory alert mechanism, such as a vibration on the smart charm,to alert the user that an alarm is about to be triggered. The warningsignal may in a preferred embodiment have duration of one-quarter to sixseconds. The warning signal can give a user an opportunity to cancel analarm by, for example, manually pushing a silence or snooze button.Alternatively, the alarm sequence may remain at the warning signal stageuntil it is determined that the separation distance between the smartcharm and the object monitor exceeds a second full alarm threshold alertcriterion. For example, once the separation distance is determined to beten feet, a warning signal may be activated, followed by a full alarm ifthe separation distance increases beyond fifteen feet.

After the warning period the smart charm activates or intensifies thesensory alert mechanisms on the smart charm to a full alarm state, andconcurrently transmits an alarm signal to be received by the pairedobject monitor. When the alarm signal is received by the paired objectmonitor, a sensory alert mechanism is activated on the object monitor,such as, for example, a piezoelectric speaker that may produce a loud(e.g. 90+dB) alert. The sensory alert mechanism on the object monitorshall continue until a stop signal transmitted from the smart charm isreceived by the object monitor, or the sensory alert mechanism ismanually cancelled by a switch mechanism on the object monitor (e.g.turning it off), or possibly a pre-determined period of time passes. Thenumber and intensity of sensory alert mechanisms may also be varieddepending upon the separation distance between the smart charm andobject monitor. Thus, for example, an alert on the smart charm maybecome louder as the object monitor moves further way.

To help prevent false alarms a motion detector may be incorporated intothe object monitor. The motion detector generates a signal to indicatethe motion state of the object monitor. When the object monitor is atrest it will transmit proximity signals at maximum power. By doing sothere is a reduced probability that environmental factors (e.g. anintervening object or passerby) will prevent the receipt and measurementof the proximity signal by the smart charm which could trigger a falsealarm. However, if the object monitor is in motion, which could be anindication of theft, the object monitor shall reduce the transmissionpower of the proximity signals. This effectively reduces the distance atwhich proximity signals will be detected and measured by the smartcharm, increases the chances of environment interference, and overallmakes it more likely that an alarm will be triggered unless the objectmonitor and smart charm are in close proximity such as when a movinguser has the object monitor on their person.

While the embodiment of the system described above and herein isimplemented with the smart charm component acting primarily as thereceiver of proximity signals transmitted by the object monitorcomponent, the system of the present invention could just as well beimplemented with the object monitoring component acting primarily as thereceiver of proximity signals transmitted by the smart charm component.Likewise the smart charm and object monitor may in some systems transmitand receive equally, essentially performing mirror functions to increaseaccuracy and possibly range.

These and other objectives of the present invention will become obviousto those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the followingdetailed description of the preferred embodiments. It is to beunderstood that the foregoing general description and the followingdetailed description are exemplary, and are not intended to be limitingbut to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a charm bracelet with a smart charm.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a smart charm.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view a smart charm on a necklace chain.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an object monitor and wallet.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an object monitor.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a smart charm in communication with anobject monitor.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of smart charm working components.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of object monitor workingcomponents.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the general operation of the system of thepresent invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are described herein. Those ofordinary skill in the art will realize that the following detaileddescription of the present invention is illustrative only and is notintended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the presentinvention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons havingthe benefit of this disclosure.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a smartcharm adapted to fit on a standard sized charm bracelet, and an objectmonitor of a size and shape to fit into a standard sized card slot in awallet or purse (i.e. a “smart card”). As described in greater detailherein, in the preferred embodiment the smart charm receives a radiofrequency proximity signal from the object monitor which it measures andprocesses to determine whether a threshold alert criterion, which isindicative of the separation distance between the smart charm and theobject monitor, has been satisfied. If the threshold alert criterion isnot satisfied then this may be an indication of theft of the objectcontaining the object monitor, and an alert sequence triggering asensory alert to notify the user will be commenced.

The Smart Charm

Referring to FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment of the present inventionthere is a wearable accessory, such as for example a charm bracelet 10,having a chain 20 and at least one smart charm 30. The chain 20 may beof any material, including, for example, metal, plastic, fabric etc. . .. As used in the system of the present invention smart charm 30 iscontemplated to be of a size, shape and outward appearance comparable toconventional pendants, trinkets, or other objects customarily attachedto bracelets, necklaces, pins, or other user wearable accessories.

In the example shown in FIG. 1 the wearable accessory charm bracelet 10is intended to be worn on the wrist of a user of the system in theconventional manner that charm bracelets are worn. In such a case charmbracelet 10 may have multiple charms on chain 20, at least one of whichshall be a smart charm 30 in accordance with the system of the presentinvention (e.g. electronic and in communication with object monitor 100as described herein), but may also have other regular charms (e.g.conventional non-functional charms). It should be noted that the systemof the present invention is not limited to the use of bracelets, butrather it is contemplated that smart charm 30 of the present inventionmay be attached to any user wearable accessory or item of clothing.

Referring to FIG. 2 in a preferred embodiment of the present inventionsmart charm 30 will have a housing 50 that has a user-accessible powerswitch 60 for controlling the active status of smart charm 30 (i.e. anoff and on switch). Power switch 60 may be a mechanical slide switch,and is preferably unobtrusive being contained within a recess 70 suchthat power switch 60 is flush with the surface of housing 50 of smartcharm 30. Depending upon the size and configuration of smart charm 30 auser may need a small object like the tip of a pen or paper clip to movepower switch 60. However, providing a grooved or textured outwardsurface of power switch 60 may be sufficient for a user finger tip tohave enough friction to slide power switch 60. If more frequent andconvenient control is desired, then power switch 60 may be configuredsuch that it protrudes slightly above surface of housing 50 so that afinger may more easily be able to make the sliding movement.

It is further contemplated in a preferred embodiment that power switch60 may be water resistant, and may have multiple click stops foractivating possible different settings of smart charm 30. For examplesmart charm 30 may be used to set multiple sensitivity level settingsfor the system. An example of this may be a “distance snooze” settingwhere the system requires a greater separation distance before an alertsequence would be commenced. Power switch 60 may, for example, have fourclick stops for off, low, medium, and high/distance snooze settings.

Note that power switch 60 may take forms other than a mechanical slidingswitch, such as for example a push button switch, a dial switch, or anyother switch mechanism that may be appropriate or desirable for theparticular form of a smart charm 30.

For example, the charm may be activated or deactivated based on theopened or closed status of an accessory attachment means: When anaccessory attachment means is in a detached/open position the power tothe smart charm may be switched off, and when it is in anattached/closed position the power to the smart charm may be turned on.

This may, for example, be implemented in an embodiment where anaccessory attachment means comprises a small channel (roughly 5 mm indiameter) through the middle of a smart charm, such as when the smartcharm has the general shape and form of a bead with a hinged clam shellhousing: Such a smart charm is attached to an accessory chain or stringby positioning the accessory chain or string between the opposing clamshell halves and then closing the clam shell housing over the chain orstring such that when closed the chain or string passes through thesmall channel in the smart charm housing. In such an embodiment thesmart charm would be powered off when the clam shell housing was in theopen/detached position, and would be powered on when the clam shellhousing was in the closed/attached position.

Smart charm 30 may have one or more sensory alert mechanisms to notify auser that an alarm has been triggered. For example smart charm 30 mayhave a sensory alert mechanism that is a light source 80. Light source80 may be one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). For example theremay be three LEDs positioned along around an outer edge of asubstantially circular smart charm 30 at the ten o'clock, noon, and twoo'clock positions. Light source 80 may be illuminated to indicate achange in smart charm 30 status (e.g. from off to on), or when an alertsequence is triggered due to an alert sequence threshold not beingsatisfied. Light source 80 may emit light in a steady continuous light,or emit intermittent flashes. Light source indicator 80 may also emitlight as flashes at a particular frequency or pattern to communicate amessage regarding a particular status of smart charm 30 or the system.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 smart charm 30 has an accessory attachmentmeans 40 for attaching smart charm 30 to an accessory such as a charmbracelet 10, necklace chain 90, or other wearable accessory. Accessoryattachment means 40 may be a type of clasp, such as those jewelry claspsthat are well known in the art including, for example, spring ringclasps, lobster clasps, toggle clasps, hook clasps, and box clasps. Inthe preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2 accessory attachment means 40is a spring ring clasp such that smart charm 30 may be removablyattached to an object such as charm bracelet 10 or necklace chain 90.

An accessory attachment means is not limited in structure to a jewelryclasp, but can include any form, structure, or mechanism associated withthe smart charm housing that functions to attach a smart charm to anaccessory, clothing item, or the user. For example a channel in thehousing of a smart charm through which the string or chain of a necklaceor bracelet may be threaded may be an accessory attachment means. A pinmechanism attached to the housing of a smart charm that may be used toattach the smart charm to an item of user clothing, or to the user as anearring, may be a form of accessory attachment means. A clip attached tothe housing of a smart charm which may be used to attach the smart charmto a user's hair or clothing may be an accessory attachment means.

Housing 50 of smart charm 30 forms both the outward appearance of smartcharm 30 and also serves the function of containing within smart charm30 the working components of smart charm 30, as shown in FIG. 7. Housing50 may be made of any suitable material, or combination of materials,including for example plastics or metals as are deemed appropriate ordesirable for the intended environment of smart charm 30 when in use. Ifmade of metal the housing may have an exterior antenna or embeddedantenna. Housing 50 may have an ornamental shape (e.g. a heart, cross,figurine etc. . . . ) and/or ornamental designs, words, names,monograms, crests, logos etc. . . . on its outer surfaces as is the casewith customary charms used in association with items such as braceletsand necklaces, such as for example those charm forms sold by PandoraJewelry or Brighton®.

Housing 50 preferably has a means to facilitate access to the interiorof smart charm 30 for such purposes as replacing a battery or othercomponents. The means to facilitate access to the interior of smartcharm 30 may include, for example, housing 50 having a clam shellconfiguration with two halves that are secured together by one or morescrews. Removing the one or more screws allows the two halves of housing50 (which may or may not be hinged together at an edge of housing 50) tobe manually separated permitting access to the interior of smart charm30. Housing 50 of smart charm 30 may also be water resistant to preventmoisture from intruding into the interior of smart charm 30 and possiblyinterfering with the function of, or damaging, interior components. Sofor example a smart charm having clam shell housing may have a plasticor rubber grommet used to form a watertight seal between the two halvesof the housing when they are in the closed position.

Referring to FIG. 7 the functional components of a preferred embodimentof smart charm 30 that are at least partially contained within smartcharm housing 50 comprise a battery 160, controller 200, memory 210,sensory alert mechanisms 215 (such as an audio signal generator 250,light source 80, and/or vibration generator 230), and a communicator220. Smart charm 30 may have such components packaged in layers with thehousing, circuit board, battery, speaker etc. . . . being round andstacked against one another.

Smart charm battery 160 which provides the power for the operation ofthe smart charm may be a round 3 volt button cell battery such as alithium/manganese dioxide CR1620 (75 mAh) or CR1632 (140 mAh).

Smart charm 30 will contain operating instructions (e.g. computerprogramming instructions), some of which may be stored in smart charmmemory 210, that are implemented by smart charm 30 during operation ofthe system of the present invention. Operating instructions may beprocessed by smart charm controller 200, which may be a conventionalsingle chip microcontroller such as, for example, a Harvard architectureIntel MCS-51 (commonly referred to as 8051). The operating instructionsfor smart charm 30 may be present in smart charm 30 as firmware,software, and/or hardware (e.g. logic circuits programmed by a hardwaredescription language). It is contemplated that the operatinginstructions for smart charm 30 may be implemented using any number ofwell known programming languages and methodologies including, forexample, assembly language, C language, and/or verilog HDL. Operatinginstructions may be contained in whole or in part in smart charm memory210, which is contemplated in a preferred embodiment to be flash memory.Communicator 220 of smart charm 30 is contemplated to include a radiofrequency transceiver operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM band, and a radiofrequency antenna. Some or all of the aforementioned smart charm 30components may be implemented as a system on a chip.

Sensory alert mechanisms 215 for the smart charm component arecontemplated to include an auditory signal generator (e.g. a speakerdevice) 250, mechanical vibration generator 230, and/or a light source240. Such sensory alert mechanisms, alone or in combination, will beactivated upon an alert sequence being initiated and carried out by thesystem. In a preferred embodiment the auditory signal generator 250 maybe piezoelectric speaker, and may use a digital to analog converter(DAC) with a differential +/−3 volts to drive the speaker. Smart charmaudio signal generator 250 should be able to produce sound at a level ofat least 75 decibels. Smart charm 30 light source 80 would preferably beone or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). Mechanical vibration generator230 would preferably be a coin shaped (or “pancake”) vibration motor.

The Object Monitor

As shown in FIG. 4 object monitor 100 is attached to, inserted in, orcombined with a mobile object 130, such as a wallet or purse. Referringto FIG. 8 the functional components of object monitor 100 areillustrated. The functional components of a preferred embodiment ofobject monitor include a housing containing a power source 310,controller 320, memory 330, motion detector 340, sensory alertmechanisms 350 (audio signal generator 370, light source 380, vibrationgenerator 390), and a communicator 360.

In a preferred embodiment the housing of object monitor 100 is in theform of a standard bank card (e.g. 8.5w×5.4h×0.35d cm), such that objectmonitor 100 may fit in a credit card slot of a wallet or purse. Thehousing of object monitor 100 may be a hardened plastic or metal. Ifobject monitor 100 housing (or the housing of smart charm 30) is metalthen any radio frequency antenna used should preferably be locatedexternal to the housing. Housing for object monitor 100 should bereasonably water resistant with tight fitting closures.

Object monitor power source 310 may be one or more round 3 volt buttoncell batteries such as a lithium/manganese dioxide CR1620 (75 mAh) orCR1632 (140 mAh). Housing for object monitor 100 may have a side slot,or a removable panel, through which batteries can be replaced.

Object monitor 100 will contain operating instructions (e.g. computerprogramming instructions), some of which may be stored in object monitormemory 330, that are implemented by object monitor 100 during operationof the system of the present invention. Operating instructions may beprocessed by object monitor controller 320, which may be a conventionalsingle chip microcontroller such as, for example, a Harvard architectureIntel MCS-51 (commonly referred to as 8051). The operating instructionsfor object monitor 100 may be present in object monitor 100 as firmware,software, and/or hardware (e.g. logic circuits programmed by a hardwaredescription language).

It is contemplated that the operating instructions for object monitor100 may be implemented using any number of well known programminglanguages and methodologies including, for example, assembly language, Clanguage, and/or verilog HDL. Operating instructions may be contained inwhole or in part in object monitor memory 330, which is contemplated ina preferred embodiment to be flash memory. Communicator 360 of objectmonitor 100 is contemplated to include a radio frequency transceiveroperating in the 2.4 GHz ISM band, and a radio frequency antenna. Someor all of the aforementioned object monitor 100 components may beimplemented as a system on a chip.

In a preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention objectmonitor 100 has a sensory alert mechanism comprising at least anauditory signal generator 370, preferably in the form of a piezoelectricspeaker that will operate at a level of at least 90 dB, which isnoticeably louder than the audio alarm emitted by the smart charm of thesystem.

Object monitor 100 may also have one or more light sources 380 that emitlight depending upon the status of object monitor 100 or the system ofthe present invention. The sensory alert mechanisms of object monitor100 are intended to alert a user of the system who is separated from theobject monitor 100 (e.g. because of theft). Accordingly, sensory alertmechanisms involving light emission or mechanical vibrations may beomitted from object monitor 100, as these may not be perceptible to userwho is separated from object monitor 100 which may be concealed in anobject such as a wallet or purse. Omitting such sensory alert mechanismsfrom object monitor 100 may result in cost and energy savings.

However, in other embodiments of the object monitor light sources andmechanical vibration may be included as features. Should a light source380 be included, then it is contemplated to be one or more lightemitting diodes. Light source 380 may be illuminated to indicate achange in object monitor status (e.g. from off to on), or when an alarmis triggered due to a separation distance threshold being exceeded.Light source 380 may emit light in a steady continuous fashion, or asintermittent flashes. Light source 380 may also emit light as flashes ofa particular frequency or pattern to communicate a particular messageregarding the status of the object monitor or the system. Similarly, theobject monitor may also have a vibration motor 390 for producing amechanical vibration.

In a preferred embodiment for an object monitor there is also a motiondetector 340. The addition of motion detector 340 to object monitor 100can improve overall performance of the system. Particularly, motiondetector 340 generates a motion state signal to indicate the motionstate for object monitor 100 (where motion may be an indication oftheft). If object monitor controller 320 detects that object monitor 100is in motion it lowers the transmission power level of communicator 360.This effectively reduces the separation distance at which an alertsequence for the system will be triggered. If object monitor controller320 determines that object monitor 100 is in a state of rest then objectmonitor controller 320 raises or maintains a maximum transmission powerlevel for communicator 360 to effectively increase the separationdistance at which an alert sequence is triggered. This has the benefitto the system of reducing the number of false alert sequences that maybe triggered when object monitor 100 is at rest. Motion detector 340 ofobject monitor 100 may be a 3 volt accelerometer (single, dual or tripleaxis), a rolling ball motion detector, or any other suitable motiondetecting device as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Referring to FIG. 5, it is contemplated that in a preferred embodimentobject monitor 100 would have a power switch 110 to change its activestatus (e.g. from off to on). In the preferred embodiment where objectmonitor 100 is in the shape of a standard banking card, power switch 110may be located proximate to an upper long edge of object monitor 100such that a user would not have to remove object monitor 100 from awallet 130 when utilizing power switch 110. Power switch 110 may be amechanical slide switch, and is preferably unobtrusive being containedwithin a recess such that power switch 110 is flush with the surface ofthe housing of object monitor 100. Depending upon the size andconfiguration of power switch 110 a user may need a small object likethe tip of a pen or paper clip to move power switch 110. However,providing a grooved or textured outward surface of power switch 110 maybe sufficient for a user finger tip to have enough friction to slidepower switch 110. If more frequent and convenient control is desired,then power switch 110 may be configured such that it protrudes slightlyabove surface of the housing for object monitor 100 so that a finger maymore easily be able to make the sliding movement.

It is contemplated in a preferred embodiment that power switch 110 wouldbe water resistant, and may have multiple click stops for activatingdifferent contemplated settings of the system of the present invention.For example the system may have multiple sensitivity level settings foradjusting the separation distance with smart charm 30 before an alertsequence is triggered. Power switch 110 may take forms other than amechanical sliding switch. Power switch 110 may, for example, becomprised of a push button switch, a dial switch, or any other switchmechanism that may be appropriate or desirable for the particular formof object monitor 100.

Smart Charm System Operation

The system of the present invention contemplates the use of a smartcharm 30 paired with a corresponding object monitor 100. Each smartcharm/object monitor pair is contemplated to have a uniqueidentification code that facilitates a communication link between thesmart charm and object monitor of the pair.

In the operation of the system of the present invention a user wantingto be alerted upon being separated from an object attaches an objectmonitor 100 to such object. For example, referring to FIG. 4 in the casewhere the object is a wallet 130, and the object monitor is of the shapeand size of a standard banking card (i.e. a “smart card”) the userplaces object monitor 100 in wallet 130, perhaps in a slot designed toaccommodate a credit card.

The user activates object monitor 100 by sliding power switch 110 to anon position. Upon doing so object monitor 100 may give a sensoryindication to the user that object monitor 100 is now active. Such asensory indication may, depending upon the particular features objectmonitor 100 has include an audible signal produced by a speaker, avisual indication from a light source, and/or a mechanical vibrationproduced by a vibration motor.

The user activates smart charm 30 by sliding power switch 60 to an onposition. Upon doing so smart charm 30 may give a sensory indication tothe user that smart charm 30 is now active. Such a sensory indicationmay, depending upon the particular features smart charm 30 has includean audible signal produced by an audio signal generator 250, a visualindication from a light source 240, and/or a mechanical vibration from avibration motor 230.

In a preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention smartcharm 30 and object monitor 100 enter into a paired communication onceboth are in an active state, such as may be accomplished, for example,with a conventional Bluetooth radio frequency pairing as is known tothose of ordinary skill in the art. The unique identification codeassociated with the smart charm/object monitor pair may be used as apasskey to ensure that smart charm 30 may only be paired with itscorresponding object monitor 100.

Referring to FIG. 9, in a preferred embodiment a smart charm 30 acts asa receiver for radio frequency proximity signal pulses 150 that aretransmitted by object monitor 100 paired with smart charm 30. Smartcharm 30 contains operating instructions that include instructions formeasurement of a received proximity signal 150 transmitted by the pairedobject monitor 100, the measurement being an indication of theseparation distance between smart charm 30 and object monitor 100. Thesmart charm 30 also contains operating instructions to determine whetheror not to commence an alert sequence based on the measurement made ofthe received proximity signal 150.

In one embodiment the received signal strength of proximity signal 150is measured by the smart charm 30 and the path loss determined (based onthe known strength of the transmitted proximity signal 150). The pathloss is then used to determine whether to activate an alert sequence.Such a technique may, for example, be implemented in the present systemin accordance with the known Bluetooth Generic Attribute ProximityProfile.

Another measurement technique is the transmittal by object monitor 100of a known number of proximity signal pulses 150 during a set timeperiod. For example, the system of the present invention may beprogrammed such that object monitor 100 communicator transmits onehundred proximity pulses 150 during a time period of one minute. Thenumber of transmitted proximity pulses 150 received by smart charm 30from the paired object monitor 100 during the one minute period ismeasured. The measurement of received proximity pulses 150 is used todetermine whether to activate an alert sequence.

In all embodiments the measurement of received proximity signal 150 isevaluated to determine whether a threshold alert criterion is satisfied.For example, the threshold alert criterion may be set to require thatthe number of received proximity signal pulses counted during the setperiod of time be a certain minimum number, or require that thedetermined path loss not exceed a certain amount. If the threshold alertcriterion is not satisfied then the system will commence an alertsequence. It is contemplated that whether or not the system commences analert sequence that proximity signal pulses will continue to betransmitted by the object monitor and measured, such that if after analert sequence is commenced the measurement satisfies the thresholdalert criterion, then the alert may be cancelled.

To help prevent false alert sequences being triggered on account ofenvironmental interferences and/or minor object monitor movements duringmeasurement of received proximity signals 150 a hysteresis factor may beused when programming the threshold alert criterion for an alertsequence to be triggered. The adverse impact of environment influencesmay also be reduced by utilizing such techniques as spread spectrum forthe proximity signals, adjusting the number of proximity pulses,proximity period, or delays between set time periods for transmittingproximity pulses.

In a preferred embodiment an alert sequence commences with a sensoryalert mechanism warning signal to the user, such as for example thesmart charm vibrating and/or lights flashing. The warning signal maygive the user an opportunity to take action before an alarm is sounded,such as for example hitting a “silence” or “snooze” button on the smartcharm. The warning signal period may be fixed or adjustable by a user,and in a preferred embodiment is contemplated to be in the range ofone-quarter to six seconds, although other ranges are within the scopeof the invention.

After the warning signal period the smart charm may adjust the sensoryalerts on the smart charm to increase user awareness. This may includeincreasing the intensity of any sensory alert mechanisms alreadytriggered as a warning signal (e.g. make the audio signal louder), or byincreasing the number of sensory alert mechanisms (e.g. adding an audioalert if the warning signal consisted of only a mechanical vibrationalert). The audio alert of the smart charm should preferably be at least75 dB.

It is also contemplated that a smart charm may adjust or increase theintensity of sensory alert mechanisms based upon environmentalconditions. For example, smart charm may incorporate a light sensor todetect ambient levels of light, and add a visual alert (or adjust theintensity) based on the detected level of ambient light. Similarly,smart charm may have an acoustic sensor to determine the level ofambient sound, and adjust the intensity of the audio alert accordingly.

As shown in FIG. 6, after the warning period smart charm 30 alsotransmits alarm signal 140 to be received by the object monitor 100.When alarm signal 140 is received by object monitor 100 the sensoryalert mechanisms that constitute the alarm features of object monitor100 are activated. Such sensory alert mechanisms are contemplated toinclude at least an audio alert (preferably louder than the smart charm)emitted by auditory signal generator 370.

It is also contemplated that in some embodiments object monitor 100 mayhave alarm features that include producing light and vibration. It isalso contemplated that object monitor 100 may adjust or increase theintensity of sensory alerts based upon environmental conditions. Forexample, an object monitor may incorporate a light sensor to detectambient levels of light, and add a visual alert (or adjust theintensity) based on the detected level of ambient light. Similarly, anobject monitor may have an acoustic sensor to determine the level ofambient sound, and adjust the intensity of the audio alert accordingly.

Once object monitor 100 receives alarm signal 140 the sensory alertmechanisms will be activated and continue to be active until the alertsequence is cancelled. In a preferred embodiment the user may cancel analert sequence by moving power switch 60, or pushing a separate button,to enter the system into a “snooze” or “silence” mode. Doing so causessmart charm 30 to transmit a maximum power cancel signal to be receivedby object monitor 100 to stop the sensory alert mechanisms of objectmonitor 100. In an alternative embodiment a user moving power switch 60,or pushing a separate button, on smart charm 30 may cause both smartcharm 30 and object monitor 100 to turn off. The alert sequence may alsobe cancelled if the measurement for the proximity pulses 150 received bythe smart charm rise again satisfy the threshold alert criterion. Insome embodiments the alarm may also simply stop after a certain periodof time has elapsed.

In addition to other techniques mentioned herein for reducing falsealerts, in a preferred embodiment object monitor 100 uses a motiondetector to regulate the power of the proximity pulses from objectmonitor 100. Specifically, as long as object monitor 100 is at rest (nomotion detected) the object monitor will transmit proximity signalpulses 150 at maximum power. This helps to increase the probability thatproximity signal pulses 150 will be received and measured by smart charm30 in the event that there are environmental interferences (e.g. objectsor persons coming in between the smart charm and object monitor).Transmitting at maximum power also effectively extends the distancebetween the smart charm and object monitor before an alert sequence willbe triggered.

However, when motion of object monitor 100 is detected which could be anindication that the object with the object monitor is being stolen orotherwise moved without authorization then object monitor 100 reducesthe power of transmitted proximity pulses 150. Reducing the power oftransmitted proximity signal pulses 150 reduces the probability that theproximity signal pulses 150 will be received and measured by smart charm30, and thus increases the chances that an alert sequence will betriggered, unless the smart charm and object monitor are in closeproximity such as the object with the transmitting object monitor beingmoved by, or carried on, the person wearing the smart charm. It isfurther contemplated that a user of the present invention may have theoption of disabling the motion detection feature with a motion detectoractuator, either directly through a button or switch setting on theobject monitor, or remotely from the smart charm (again through the useof a switch setting or button).

It is further contemplated that smart charm may also have a distancesnooze feature that permits a user to extend the effective separationdistance between the smart charm and object monitor before an alertsequence is triggered by pressing a button, or setting a switch, whichcauses the threshold alert criterion to be changed.

In addition to creating a sensory alert when an alert sequence istriggered, it is also contemplated that the smart charm 30 and objectmonitor 100 would activate a sensory alert mechanism in response to alow battery condition. The sensory alert may for example include aperiodic audio alert (e.g. a beep), a distinct pattern of light flashes,etc. . . . The object monitor 100 may also transmit a signal to smartcharm 30 communicating the low battery status of the object monitor 100so that a low battery sensory alert may be triggered on smart charm 30that is more perceptible to a user than just a low battery alert on theobject monitor 100 which may be contained within an object 130 such as awallet.

With respect to sensory alerts the smart charm 30 and/or object monitor100 could have any different number of alert types, such as for example,(1) a high, low tone at 1 min interval-low battery; (2) high, low onetime—device entering inactive mode; (3) low, high tone—device enteringactive mode4 (4) vibration and low staccato tone—pre-alert warning; (5)theft alert: repeating high tone, flashing lights and periodicvibration, (6) different audio frequencies—frequencies selected willmaximize the sound level, (7) alert duration—each device will have atimeout for slowing down and/or stopping an alert; (8) a patternalert—wherever possible, the devices will utilize a power-saving sound,vibration and light emission pattern.

A smart charm 30 or object monitor 100 may also have several power modesdepending on the activity it is performing or being asked to perform.For example: (1) high power—whenever device is transmitting a proximitysignal (2) medium power—when device is receiving a transmission (3) lowpower—normal processing not involving transmission or receiving, (4)immediate sleep mode—for no processing or, (5) deep sleep mode—paireddevices enter deep sleep mode when there is no activity (at nighttime ordevices at rest).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is contemplatedthat serial numbers may be etched into each smart charm 30 and objectmonitor 100 or otherwise associated with smart charm/object monitor pair(e.g. just printed on/labels affixed to a registration card). Forsecurity reasons the visible serial numbers may be associated with, butnot the same as, the unique identification codes programmed into smartcharm/object monitor pairs that are used for pairing during operation. Aproprietary and confidential software program may be used to maintain acorrelation between a serial number and unique identification codes iffor some reason there was a need to repair or replace a lost or stolensmart charm or object monitor.

It is also contemplated that the system of the present invention mayutilize as a power source rechargeable batteries in the smart charmand/or object monitor. The rechargeable batteries may be removable.However, it is also contemplated that the system of the presentinvention may use non-removable batteries that may be recharged byplugging the smart charm and/or object monitor into a charging device.The charging device may be of the wireless or inductive type ofcharging.

1. An anti-theft proximity alert system comprising: a wearable smartcharm and an object monitor; said wearable smart charm having anornamental charm housing; wherein said ornamental charm housing containsan environmental sensor, a sensory alert, an alarm controller, an alarmcommunicator capable of receiving a radio frequency proximity signaltransmitted from said object monitor, at least one operating instructionto determine a measure of said radio frequency proximity signal, atleast one alarm operating instruction to determine if said measuresatisfies a threshold alert criterion, and at least one environmentaloperating instruction to adjust the output of said sensory alert basedupon an environmental condition detected by said environmental sensor.2. The anti-theft proximity alert system of claim 1 wherein saidenvironment sensor is a light sensor capable of sensing the ambientlevel of light, said sensory alert is a visual sensory alert, and saidat least one environmental operating instruction adjusts the output ofsaid visual sensory alert based on the detected level of ambient light.3. The anti-theft proximity alert system of claim 2 wherein saidenvironmental operating instruction adjusts the output brightness ofsaid visual sensory alert based on the detected level of ambient light.4. The anti-theft proximity alert system of claim 2 wherein saidenvironmental operating instruction adjusts the output color of saidvisual sensory alert based on the detected level of ambient light. 5.The anti-theft proximity alert system of claim 2 wherein saidenvironmental operating instruction adjusts the frequency of a pulsedoutput of said visual sensory alert based on the detected level ofambient light.
 6. The anti-theft proximity alert system of claim 1wherein said environment sensor is an acoustic sensor capable of sensingthe ambient level of audio noise, said sensory alert is an auditorysensory alert, and said at least one environmental operating instructionadjusts the output of said auditory sensory alert based on the detectedlevel of ambient audio noise.
 7. The anti-theft proximity alert systemof claim 6 wherein said environmental operating instruction adjusts thevolume of said auditory sensory alert based on the detected level ofambient acoustic noise.
 8. The anti-theft proximity alert system ofclaim 6 wherein said environmental operating instruction adjusts thefrequency of a said auditory sensory alert based on the detected levelof ambient acoustic noise.
 9. The anti-theft proximity alert system ofclaim 1 wherein said environment sensor is a motion sensor capable ofsensing the motion of said object monitor, said sensory alert is avibrating sensory alert, and said at least one environmental operatinginstruction adjusts the output of said vibrating sensory alert based onthe detected level of motion.
 10. The anti-theft proximity alert systemof claim 9 wherein said environmental operating instruction adjusts theamplitude of vibrations for said vibrating sensory alert based on thedetected level of motion.
 11. An anti-theft proximity alert systemcomprising: a wearable smart charm and an object monitor; said objectmonitor having an object monitor housing; wherein said object monitorhousing contains an object monitor controller, an environmental sensor,a sensory alert, and at least one environmental operating instruction toadjust the output of said sensory alert based upon an environmentalcondition detected by said environmental sensor.
 12. The anti-theftproximity alert system of claim 11 wherein said environment sensor is alight sensor capable of sensing the ambient level of light, said sensoryalert is a visual sensory alert, and said at least one environmentaloperating instruction adjusts the output of said visual sensory alertbased on the detected level of ambient light.
 13. The anti-theftproximity alert system of claim 12 wherein said environmental operatinginstruction adjusts the output brightness of said visual sensory alertbased on the detected level of ambient light.
 14. The anti-theftproximity alert system of claim 12 wherein said environmental operatinginstruction adjusts the output color of said visual sensory alert basedon the detected level of ambient light.
 15. The anti-theft proximityalert system of claim 12 wherein said environmental operatinginstruction adjusts the frequency of a pulsed output of said visualsensory alert based on the detected level of ambient light.
 16. Theanti-theft proximity alert system of claim 11 wherein said environmentsensor is an acoustic sensor capable of sensing the ambient level ofaudio noise, said sensory alert is an auditory sensory alert, and saidat least one environmental operating instruction adjusts the output ofsaid auditory sensory alert based on the detected level of ambient audionoise.
 17. The anti-theft proximity alert system of claim 16 whereinsaid environmental operating instruction adjusts the volume of saidauditory sensory alert based on the detected level of ambient acousticnoise.
 18. The anti-theft proximity alert system of claim 16 whereinsaid environmental operating instruction adjusts the frequency of a saidauditory sensory alert based on the detected level of ambient acousticnoise.
 19. The anti-theft proximity alert system of claim 11 whereinsaid environment sensor is a motion sensor capable of sensing the motionof said object monitor, said sensory alert is a vibrating sensory alert,and said at least one environmental operating instruction adjusts theoutput of said vibrating sensory alert based on the detected level ofmotion.
 20. The anti-theft proximity alert system of claim 19 whereinsaid environmental operating instruction adjusts the amplitude ofvibrations for said vibrating sensory alert based on the detected levelof motion.